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Volvo's
efforts to build a convincing medium car have brought us the
modern V40/S40 series, replacing the 440/460 series. The S40/V40
is far from ordinary and has safety and solidity on its side.
This model was designed and built in the Netherlands in the
combined Volvo/Mitsubishi NedCar plant at Born from 1996. Some
early cars were not quite up to scratch in terms of build
quality, but improvements were soon made and the range is now a
very sensible buy. S40/V40 responses are
refined however early cars suffered from a very firm ride; T4
models more dynamic. Mid-market appeal, it's almost a compact
executive range; lively top-end Turbo models help to shrug off
Volvo's staid, safe old image; V40 T4 is really quite a
fashionable 'lifestyle' purchase. Good results in Euro NCAP
crash testing; strong and sophisticated side impact protection
system; seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS on all, traction control
on T4, optional on most others.
Models produced:
(Phase I and II )
S/V40 1.8 115 hp
S/V40 2.0 136 hp
S/V40 1.9TD intercooler 115 hp
S/V40 2.0T4 200 hp
(Phase III )
S/V40 1.6 109 hp
S/V40 1.8 115 hp
S/V40 1.8i 122 hp
S/V40 2.0 136 hp
S/V40 2.0T 163 hp
S/V40 T4 200 hp
S/V40 1.9D 102 hp - 115 hp (common rail)
S/V40 1.8 Bi-Fuel 115 hp
The V50 model will replace the V40 in 2003, to be built in the
Volvo factory in Gent, rather than in the NedCar factory in the
Netherlands which is now 100% owned by Mitsubishi and will be
used for Mitsu production only.
The S40T was very success in motorracing in the hands of factory
driver Rickard Rydell
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